Common Breed Doggie of the Day: Bullmastiff

Bullmastiff

Country of Origin: Great Britian

History: The bullmastiff was developed in 1860 from the mastiff and the bulldog. It was bred to catch and hold poachers without hurting them. Breeers believed the cross created a dog that was fast but not aggressive. According to fanciers, the breed is more mastiff than bulldog.

Physical Description: The bullmastiff is a large and powerful dog with a large, broad head and a short, blunt muzzle. When alert, the forehead wrinkles. The eyes are dark and the nose is black. The medium-size, triangular drop ears are set wide apart. This dog has a broad, deep chest and muscular loins, with a long tail that may be curved or straight. The short, smooth coat is brindle, fawn or red, with a dark muzzle and ears. There may be a small, white spot on the chest.

Height: 24 to 27 inches

Weight: 100 to 130 pounds

Temperament: This is a quiet, docile dog that is patient and gentle with friends and family, especially children. It can, however, be protective and territorial.

Activity Level: Low

Best Owner: The bullmastiff does well with a family and can adjust to most living situations but may be too large for apartment life.

Special Needs: Socialization, training

Possible Health Concerns: Bloat, eye problems, cardiac disease, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, kidney problems, panosteitis, tumors

Uncommon Doggie of the Day

I am starting something new tonight.  I will do two doggies of the day...one a common, well-known breed and the other a rare breed.  I thought this would be interesting to read about dogs from other countries that are not so popular in the United States.  This one is about the Azawakh dog and I hope you enjoy learning about this beautiful and rare breed of dog.

Azawakh

Alternative Names:  iddii 'n illeli (sighthound of the free people, Tuareg sighthound

Country of Origin:  Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso

History:  The Azawakh is from the arid regions of the Sahara and the Sub-Saharan Sahel.  It is used as a guardian, hunter, and companion by the Tuareg people, who are descendants of the Berber.  The tribe bred the dog for purity and beauty.  The breed has become rare in both its homeland and elsewhere.

Physical Description:  The Azawakh is a tall, slender dog that is longer than it is tall with hips that are higher than the shoulders.  There is a narrow head with pendant ears and dark, almond-shaped eyes.  It has a very deep chest, which rises abruptly to an extremely tucked up belly.  The coat is short and fine and can be of sand to dark red, brindled, white, black, gray, blue grizzle, particolored, and all shades of brown, including chocolate.

Height:  23.5 to 29 inches

Weight:  35 to 55 pounds

Temperament:  The Azawakh is gentle, affectionate, and playful with its family, but wary, even aggressive, with strangers.  It is intelligent and protective, making it a good watchdog.

Activity Level:  Moderate

Best Owner:  It does best with a firm owner in a rural or suburban home.  It makes a poor kennel dog.

Special Needs:  Close supervision with strangers, leashed, fenced yard, socialization, training

Possible Health Concerns:  Bloat, cardiac problems, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, seizures, spondylosis

Doggie Chatrooms

Fun Dog Quotes

"When a man's best friend is his dog, that dog has a problem."
-- Edward Abbey

 

"The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue."
--Anonymous

 

"Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear."
-- Dave Barry

 

"Dogs need to sniff the ground; it's how they keep abreast of current events. The ground is a giant dog newspaper, containing all kinds of late-breaking dog news items, which, if they are especially urgent, are often continued in the next yard."
--Dave Barry

 

"A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down."
-- Robert Benchley

 

"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself."
-- Josh Billings

 

"In order to keep a true perspective of one's importance, everyone should have a dog that will worship him and a cat that will ignore him."
-- Dereke Bruce, Taipei, Taiwan

 

"Of all the things I miss from veterinary practice, puppy breath is one of the most fond memories!"
-- Dr. Tom Cat

 

"You enter into a certain amount of madness when you marry a person with pets."
-- Nora Ephron

 

"We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made"
--M. Facklam

 

"Dogs love their friends and bite their enemies, quite unlike people, who are incapable of pure love and always have to mix love and hate."
--Sigmund Freud

 

"Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea."
-- Robert A. Heinlein

 

"Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about puppies."
-- Gene Hill

 

"To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs."
-- Aldous Huxley

 

"Man is a dog's idea of what God should be."
-- Holbrook Jackson

 

"Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog."
--Franklin P. Jones

 

"Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful."
-- Ann Landers

 

"No animal should ever jump up on the dining room furniture unless absolutely certain that he can hold his own in the conversation."
-- Fran Lebowitz

 

"Outside of a dog, a book is probably man's best friend; inside of a dog, it's too dark to read."
-- Groucho Marx

 

"No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does."
-- Christopher Morley

 

"I wonder what goes through his mind when he sees us peeing in his water bowl."
--Penny Ward Moser

 

"Did you ever walk into a room and forget why you walked in? I think that's how dogs spend their lives."
-- Sue Murphy

 

"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."
--Will Rogers

 

"The average dog is a nicer person than the average person."
--Andrew A. Rooney

 

"I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult."
-- Rita Rudner

 

"I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves."
-- August Strindberg

 

"If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons."
-- James Thurber

 

"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man."
-- Mark Twain

 

"Ever consider what they must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul - chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth!"
-- Anne Tyler

 

"My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to $3.00 a can. That's almost $21.00 in dog money."
--Joe Weinstein

 

"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face."
-- Ben Williams

 

"Cat's motto No matter what you've done wrong, always try to make it look like the dog did it."
-- Unknown

 

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."
-- Unknown

 

"If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise."
--Unknown

 

"In dog years, I'm dead."
-- Unknown

 

"Money will buy you a pretty good dog, but it won't buy the wag of his tail."
-- Unknown

 

"Some days you're the dog; some days you're the hydrant."
-- Unknown

 

"Things that upset a terrier may pass virtually unnoticed by a Great Dane."
-- Unknown

Cute Dog Jokes

Joke #1

A minister was asked to dinner by one of his church members. He knew she was a bad housekeeper but agreed. When he sat down at the table, he noticed that the dishes were the dirtiest that he had ever seen in his life. "Were these dishes ever washed?" he asked his hostess, running his fingers over the grit and grime.

She replied,"They're as clean as soap and water could get them". He felt a bit uncomfortable, but blessed the food anyway and started eating. It was really delicious and he said so, despite the dirty dishes. When dinner was over, the hostess took the dishes outside and yelled, "Here Soap! Here Water!"

 ____________

Joke #2

Ten top ways to tell if Martha Stewart is stalking your dog

10. There's potpourri hanging from his/her collar.

9. The dog's nails have been cut with pinking shears.

8. The dog toys are all stored in McCoy crocks.

7. The pooper scooper has been decorated with raffia bows.

6. That telltale lemon slice in the new silver water bowl.

5. You find liver and whole wheat dog treats stamped out with copper cookie cutters and decorated with royal icing using a #2 rosette tip.

4. Dog hair has been collected and put into wire baskets for nesting material for the birds.

3. A seasonally appropriate grapevine wreath adorns the front of your dog's crate.

2. Your dog goes outside naked and comes in wearing a thyme colored virgin wool hand-knitted sweater with matching boots.

AND THE NUMBER ONE WAY YOU KNOW THAT MARTHA STEWART IS STALKING YOUR DOG IS...

1. The dog droppings in your backyard have been sculpted into swans.

____________

Joke #3

When Good Dogs Go and Crossbreed

Pointer + Setter =
Poinsetter, a traditional Christmas pet

Kerry Blue Terrier + Skye Terrier =
Blue Skye, a dog for visionaries

Great Pyrenees + Dachshund =
Pyradachs, a puzzling breed

Pekingnese + Lhasa Apso =
Peekasso, an abstract dog

Irish Water Spaniel + English Springer Spaniel =
Irish Springer, a dog fresh and clean as a whistle

Labrador Retriever + Curly Coated Retriever =
Lab Coat Retriever, the choice of research scientists

Newfoundland + Basset Hound =
Newfound Asset Hound, a dog for financial advisors

Terrier + Bulldog =
Terribull, a dog prone to awful mistakes

Bloodhound + Labrador =
Blabador, a dog that barks incessantly

Malamute + Pointer =
Moot Point, owned by....oh, well, it doesn't matter anyway

Collie + Malamute =
Commute, a dog that travels to work

Deerhound + Terrier =
Derriere, a dog that's true to the end

Cocker Spaniel + Rottweiller =
Cockrot, the perfect puppy for that philandering ex-husband

Bull Terrier + Shitzu =
Bullshitz, a gregarious but unreliable breed

_____________

Funny Animals

Infectious Disease: Distemper

Distemper

This potentially fatal disease is caused by a virus.  Distemper is highly contagious and is usually transmitted through contact with mucous and watery secretions discharged from the eyes and noses of infected dogs as well as through contact with their urine or fecal matter.  The virus may also be airborne or carried on inanimate objects such as shoes.  A healthy dog can contract distemper without ever coming in physical contact with an infected animal.

A dog with distemper appears to have a bad cold.  He may sneeze and have a runny nose and runny eyes.  Other signs to watch for are squinting, weight loss, coughing, vomiting and diarrhea.  A dog with distemper is usually listless and has a diminshed appetite.  As distemper progresses, it can attack the nervous system, causing a dog to become partially or completely paralyzed.  The dog may twitch or have seizures.

Distemper is spread mainly from sick to susceptible dogs.  Puppies and young adult dogs are most susceptible to infection by the distemper virus, but the disease also infrequently strikes older dogs.  Most cases of distemper occur in puppies 8 to 16 weeks old.  Distemper is more severe in younger pups.

Distemper is not always easy to diagnose.  Lab tests such as blood chemistry and blood cell counts aren't of much value in pinning down distemper.  The veterinarian may need to run more sophisticated tests to determine whether the virus is present.  Because the signs of distemper can be varied, treatment is often delayed.  To be on the safe side, take any sick young dog to the veterinarian for a definite diagnosis.

The only treatment for the distemper virus is good supportive care and control of neurological symptoms such as seizures.  Nursing care involves keeping the eyes and nose dry and encouraging the dog to eat and drink.  Dogs who survive the initial infection may develop retinal damage, corneal discoloration, or extreme hardness of the nose leather or foot pads.

Doggie of the Day: Keeshond

Keeshond

Alternative Names:  smiling Dutchmen, keeshondonden (plural), wolf spitz, Chien Loup, Dutch barge dog

Country of Origin:  Holland

History:  The keeshond dates as far back as the sixteenth century in Holland and is believed to be a descendant of the German wolfspitz.  It was used as a watchdog on boats and farms during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and came to represent the Dutch Patriotic Party during the political unrest following the French Revolution.  It was first imported to the UK in 1905 and to the U.S. in 1928, where it is a popular companion.

Physical Description:  The keeshond is a well-balanced, sturdy, medium-sized dog.  It has a foxy, wedge-shaped head; small, erect ears; and dark brown eyes.  The plumed tail curls over the back.  Its heavy coat stands out and is a mixture of silver gray, cream, and black.  The coat is very thick around the neck, shoulders, rump, hind legs, and chest, forming a lionlike mane.  Thre are dinstinctive spectacle-like markings around the eyes with a line going to each ear.

Height:  17 to 18 inches

Weight:  30 to 45 pounds

Temperament:  The keeshond is a fun-loving breed with a gentle nature.  It is friendly toward almost everyone, including children and other animals.  It is intelligent and eager to learn, making it highly trainable.

Activity Level:  Moderate

Best Owner:  This breed is adaptable and does well with a family in a city, suburban, or rural home.

Special Needs:  Grooming

Possible Health Concerns:  Cardiac disease, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism

Toxins

Many products commonly found around the house and yard are dangerous to dogs.  Ingestion of toxic substances can lead to upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even organ failure and eventual death.  Some substances such as pesticides and acetone can be dangerous even if a dog does not ingest them.  They can cause harm by being inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

Commercial pesticides are the most common cause of dog poisonings.  Fly baits containing methomyl such as Stimukil, and slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde such as Snarol, Buggetta, and Slugit Pellets, are particularly dangerous.  Methomyl is rapidly absorbed into the skin, lungs, and gastrintestinal tract and is broken down in the liver.  Vomiting, seizures, and death are the most common signs of intgestion.  Metaldehyde is a neurotoxin, a poison that affects the nervous system.  Ingestion of less than a teaspoon of a 2 percent metaldehyde product by a 10-pound dog can cause harm.  Moke and gopher baits and rat poisons are also dangerous to dogs.  Avoid using any of these in areas where accessible to your dog and keep packages of pesticides safely locked away.

Human medications are second only to pesticides in causing animal poisonings.  They can be lethal to dogs and should be kept out of reach.  Advise overnight guests to keep any medications locked away.  Even common pain relievers can be dangerous to dogs.  One regular strength 200-milligram ibuprofen tablet (Advil, Motrin) can cause stomach ulcers in a 10-pound dog; ingestion of two or more tablets of ibuprofen can cause seizures and coma.  The most commonly reported medications involved in animal poisonings are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen, antidepressant; cold and flu medicines; and diet pills.

Seasonal products that contain toxins include anti-freeze, Christmas tree water, and liquid potpourris.  Ingestion of just a small amount of antifreeze can be fatal to a dog.  Keep driveways and garages clean of car drippings.  Christmas tree water contains fertilizers that can upset the stomach.  Stagnant tree water also can breed bacteria, leading to vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea if ingested.  Liquid potpourris are caustic.  Licking or ingesting potpourris can result in chemical burns, vomiting, retching, hypersalivation, or depression.

Hazards to be aware of during warm weather months include lethal strains of blue-green algae usually found in stagnant bodies of water.  Ingesting even a small amount can kill a dog within an hour.  Cocoa bean mulch, often used in gardens, contains the substance theobromine, which is also found in chocolate.  A 50-pound dog who eats 2 ounces of cocoa bean mulch may suffer stomach upset; after eating 9 ounces or more would probably be fatal.  Another garden hazard is compost, which is filled with decaying matter harboring dangerous bacteria that can make a dog sick.  Fertilizers, too, are hazardous.  They contain heavy metals such as iron.  Ingesting a large amount of fertilizer can cause gastrointestinal upset and possibly obstruction and may even affect the heart and liver.  Swimming pool cleaning supplies may contain harmful chemicals and citronella candles can cause gastrointestinal inflammation if a dog eats them.

Other toxic products include household cleaners, rubbing alcohol, ice-melting products, batteries, pain, boric acid, hair coloring, and other human grooming products such as shampoo and petroleum products.  The best prevention is to keep these items out of your dog's reach.

Hints for Lodging With a Dog

Editor's Note:  With the holidays upon us, many of us will be traveling and taking our beloved dogs with us.  Here are some hints and tips on what to do if you're staying in a hotel.

Make sure your dog is flea-free before departing on your trip.  Also, aggressive otherwise uncontrolled dogs should not be taken to hotels or motels.  Any bad behavior an establishment experiences with one dog will be held against all days.  Also, most hotel/motels add on anywhere from $5 to $50 per night as well as a security deposit so be sure to call the hotel before arriving to find out what their rules are regarding pets in the rooms.

Try not to allow your dog on the bed or furniture in a hotel.  If your dog can't stand to sleep away from you or insists on being on the couch, bring a sheet or blanket from home to cover the area where he will lie.  Make sure your dog is housetrained BEFORE bringing him inside.  Even if your dog has been reliable and has not had an accident in years, staying in a hotel is a new and sometimes unsettling experience, which can lead to accidents.  Many dogs are reluctant to drink water or relieve themselves during a car trip or outside an airport, but once they arrive at a destination and relax, they cut loose.  Take your dog for a couple of walks upon arrival and before settling down for the evening.

If you plan to leave your dog in the hotel while you are out, bring a crate.  This will keep him safe and secure, eliminate the chance of his inflicting damage, and allow the housekeeping staff to come in while you're gone.  If you don't use a crate, find a hotel that offers a dog-sitting service.  This is unusual but not unheard of, especially in large cities such as New York or San Fransisco.  Some hotels pride themselves on being pet-friendly and even offer pet packages with everything from keepsake food bowls to dog treat cookbooks to daily walks.

Another option is to stay in a guest rental.  Many resort areas offer private homes for rent.  This can be an ideal option for a dog owner, but again, check the pet policy before you book.  If traveling to a rural area, camping facilities are usually dog friendly as long as they are kept leashed.  Ask about park policies when reserving a campsite.

Agility Organizations

The popularity of agility competition is evidenced by the number of organizations in the U.S. that administer the sport.  Four major organizations hold agility trials and award points and titles to top agility dogs: the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC), the United States Dog Agility Association, Inc. (USDAA), and the North American Dog Agility Council, Inc. (NADAC).  Each organization has different rules governing competition and classes.

The AKC offers five jump heights ranging from 8 to 24 inches, and dogs compete for titles various levels of classes.  UKC competitors jump up to 20 inches and compete in three classes with progressively more difficult jumps.  USDAA has the most stringent rules for competition and the most challenging jumps, with the maximum jump height of 26 inches.  The organization also offers games such as Gamblers, Snooker Agility, Relay, and Jumpers.  The NADAC with its fast courses emphasize speed.  It offers five standard division jump heights from 8 to over 20 inches and an optional jump height of 24 inches.  In addition to regular classes games such as Touch 'N' Go, Weavers, Tunnelers, and Gamblers are offered.

Starting a Dog Park

Looking to start a dog park? Here are some tips:

Strength in numbers: Form a group with other dog owners.  Establish the group as a non-profit corporation to demonstrate your commitment.

Get help:  Don't reinvent the wheel.  Many other people have started a dog park in their city.  Get in touch with other groups for guidance and support.


Get informed:  Contact city officials and the local parks department for guidance on starting a park.

Site selection:  Identify potential locations, preferably sites that are not heavily used and that have parking nearby.  Your local parks department may be able to help you with this.

Education:  Work to educate dog owners and others in your area about the benefits of a dog park for both humans and dogs.  Hold community meetings to discuss the park  and answer questions.  Emphasize benefits such as an increased feeling of community, more exercise opportunities, fewer unleashed dogs in other parks, and a positive financial impact for local businesses near dog parks.  Dogs who are exercised regularly and socialized with people and other dogs are happier and often experience fewer behavioral problems.

Public Relations:  Good public relations keep the community on your side.  Organize events that demonstrate the group's commitment to responsible dog ownership.  These can be behavior and training workshops, adoption fairs, low-cost vaccine clinics, or educational events encouraging spaying and neutering.  Be a good neighbor now and you may fend off opposition later.


Play politics:  Get to know your city councilperson and other local government officials.  Find someone sympathetic to your cause in city government.

Plan:  A good plan considers the type of fencing and surfacing to be used, waste disposal, and how the park will be maintained.  Include a budget and plans for fundraising.  Determine whether the city will help with funds to build the park or if all funds will be acquired through private means.

Rules and Regulations:  Create rules for users of the dog park and have a plan to enforce them once the park is up and running.  Organize a dog park advisory board to address issues as they arise.  Find volunteers to monitor the park and advise visitors on the rules.

Stay involved:  Your work isn't over after the ground is broken.  Demonstrate your commitment to the park by keeping up on rule enforcement, cleanup, and maintenance.  Many cities initiate new dog parks with a trial period; use this time to prove your good intentions to the community.  Meet regularly with city leaders on management of the park.  Organize ongoing fundraising campaigns to keep the park running smoothly and to finance any new projects.

God and Dog

Funny Dogs Do Crazy Things Video

Animal Welfare and Adoption Groups

Here are three examples of the many organizations that exist to better the lives of unwanted and abused animals:

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Angel Canyon, Utah, is the nation's largest sanctuary for abandoned and abused dogs, cats, horses, and other animals. Animals come to the 3,000-acre sanctuary from all over the country and each day there are at least 1,800 animals at the facility. Best Friends seeks to place adoptable animals in loving homes. Those who are sick, very old, or who have suffered extreme trauma are kept at the sanctuary for the rest of their lives.

Best Friends was begun in Arizona in the 1970s by a group of animal lovers who rescued animals from shelters, rehabilitated them, and attempted to find homes for them. The number of unadoptable animals grew and eventually a permanent home was needed for the organization. The sanctuary was established in Angel Canyon in the early 1980s.

Hearts United for Animals in Auburn, Nebraska, is a no-kill shelter and animal welfare organization located on two farms with a total of 105 acres. There are approximately 250 dogs at the farms at any one time. They also rescue cats, but their numbers are small. Dogs who cannot be adopted stay at the shelter for the rest of their lives. The largest of the two shelter facilities is located on a 65-acre tree farm and features specialty housing that includes soft beds, covered patios, and dog play houses for dogs up for adoption. On the grounds of the shelter is a spay/neuter clinic, grooming salon, memorial park, and an agility field.

North Shore Animal League America in Port Washington, New York, began its legacy of helping unwanted animals working out of a garage in 1944. Since then, the organization has become one of the largest pet adoption agencies in the world. Animals are rescued from shelters and overcrowded animal organizations throughout the country and brought to North Shore's no-kill adoption center, which houses approximately 350 dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens. Trained counselors work with adopters to ensure that animals are placed in good homes. In addition to rescue and adoption efforts, North Shore also has humane education and public outreach programs.

Doggie Fun Facts - Balto the Wonder Dog

A sled dog named Balto gained fame in 1925 for his part in stopping a diphtheria epidemic. In Nome, Alaska, a dangerous outbreak of the disease was threatening the young people of the town. Because of treacherous winter weather, the only way to transport the antitoxin serum from Anchorage to Nome was by dogsled. In hurricane-type winds and temperatures that were seldom higher than 40 below, teams of dogsleds relayed across the nearly 1,000 miles between the two cities. After just six days, musher Gunner Kaassen delivered the serum to Nome. Balto was the leader of this heroic dog team.

Balto became famous throughout the U.S., but after a while, he and other dogs in the team became a traveling sideshow attraction. When a Cleveland businessman discovered the dogs were not being treated well, he bought the dogs and brought them back to Cleveland, where they lived out their lives comfortably. Balto's remains are on display at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. A statue in his honor was erected in New York City's Central Park, where it still stands today.

Doggie of the Day: Basset Bleu de Gascogne

Basset Bleu de Gascogne

Country of Origin: France

History: The basset bleu de Gascogne is descended from ancient scenthounds. It was developed from the grand bleu de Gascogne and the basset Saintongeois in the late nineteenth century.

Physical Description: This is a medium-size, strong, sturdy dog that is longer than it is tall. It has a narrow, wedge-shaped head with a domed skull and long muzzle. The nose is large and black and the eyes are dark brown with loose lower lids. It has very long, low-set ears that are of fine leather and fold, or curl, alongside the face. There is a deep chest, strong legs, and a long tail. The feet are large. The short coat is white with black ticking, giving a blue effect, and black patches.

Height: 12 to 15 inches

Weight: No standard available

Temperament: The basset bleu is an easy-going friendly dog. It gets along with almost everyone, including other dogs.

Activity Level: Moderate

Best Owner: This breed does well with an active owner in a rural or suburban home.

Special Needs: Fenced yard, leashed

Possible Health Concerns: None known

Dogs Alert Man to Choking Neighbor

Posted on: Friday, 14 August 2009, 08:59 CDT

An elderly Canadian woman in Nova Scotia says she owes her life to her neighbor's dogs who alerted their owner she was choking on her backyard deck.

Gert Mombourquette, 76, told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. she was alone late Saturday night eating some homemade chocolate squares when she choked and couldn't breathe or make a sound.

Her neighbor Kevin Murphy, a sergeant with the Halifax Regional Police, was using his break to return home to walk his two dogs as the woman was choking.

The dogs, Jenny and Mandy, resisted going for a walk and were barking and whining, so Murphy checked Mombourquette's door, found it open and walked in, the report said.

He opened the door and Jenny ... she was going around in circles and licking my legs, the woman said. She knew I was in trouble. They sense it, they really do.

Murphy successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver and called paramedics.

Mombourquette told the CBC she'll still make chocolate squares for Murphy and his dogs, but will give up eating them.

Rachael Ray Plans Mutt Madness Pet Charity Contest

LOS ANGELES -- Rachael Ray is looking for 64 chari­ties to compete in a $200,000 contest to find the most de­serving pet cause in the country.

Using basketball's March Madness format, Mutt Mad­ness will start with 64 con­testants, Ray said. These will be whittled down by Ray and a panel of pet lovers from entries submitted through www.rachaelray.com/muttmadness by Sept. 30.

Each of the top 64 groups gets $1,000. Winners of the next several rounds, chosen by online votes, will get an­other $1,000. The final voting showdown is worth $25,000 for second place and $50,000 for the winner. The champ will be announced in early December, Ray said.

Ray, an Emmy-award win­ning talk show host and the mastermind of Food Net­work's "30 Minute Meals," joined forces last year with the Ainsworth Pet Nutrition company to develop a line of dog food and treats called Rachael Ray Nutrish.

Everything she gets from the sale of dog food goes to Rachael's Rescue (www.ra­chaelsrescue.org), an orga­nization dedicated to help­ing at-risk animals through adoption, medical care, edu­cation, training and out­reach initiatives.

The rescue raised $400,000 last year, but Ray wanted to help more people and ani­mals. "We thought Mutt Madness would be a fun and fair way to spread the love and the money," she said by telephone.

Ray's first dog, a pit bull named Boo, was her inspira­tion for the rescue and the contest, she said. "She changed my life in every good way possible."

Boo died a few years ago, but Ray said she had plenty of love left for Isaboo, who appears with her in Nutrish commercials.

"Pit bulls are the perfect example of dogs that are tor­tured and abused," she said. "I just don't see how every­body can't be doing some­thing for animal rescue. It's heartbreaking to see the in­nocents so mistreated."

Pet Hospice Care Helps Pet Owners Cope With Death

Published: Monday, June 29, 2009 1:00 AM EDT

(ARA) - When Alysa Brennan of Hermosa Beach, Calif., discovered one of her Great Danes had cancer, she was faced with a difficult decision, but she felt fortunate that her veterinarian, Dr. Alice Villalobos, was familiar with veterinary hospice care and introduced her to the concept.

"I knew Blake, my dog, was old enough that I didn't want to go through any heroic measures to try to keep him alive. I wasn't going to consider chemotherapy. Dr. Villalobos explained that we could keep him as pain free as possible until the end," Brennan explains.

"He passed very peacefully thanks to Alice being there with me," she continues. "He died literally in my arms. I had moved an old couch outside for him, so he could sleep on it. One night he came in and was looking at me in a strange way. I laid down with him, and his breathing was very labored so I called Alice. It was his end."

Hospice care -- physical and physiological care for the wellbeing of the terminally ill -- has a long history in the United States. But hospice care for animals is a very new concept. Villalobos treated Blake's end-of-life discomfort with pain medications and homeopathic medicines.

Veterinary hospice is a philosophy that is really in its infancy. In 2000, the movement gained national attention at the annual convention of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) where Villalobos spoke on hospice care. The first international symposium wasn't held until March of 2008 at the University of California-Davis, and the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) is currently being established.

Dr. Amir Shana, owner of the Compassionate Care Veterinary Clinic in Chicago, has been offering hospice care to animals for well over a decade. Shana provides house calls for patients who are too sick to make it into his office and also runs a hospice facility, where animals can be boarded. About half of his practice is in pet hospice services.

"Hospice is a philosophy of care, it is also a program of care and in certain cases it is an actual place where patients are being cared for," Dr. Shana explains.

For Villalobos, the new movement really recognizes something that has been happening for many decades. "Veterinarians have always offered care to animals at the end of life," explains Villalobos. "Until now, it has not been a recognized philosophy, and it hasn't had a name."

Villalobos says that one of the most important aspects of this new movement is that it's seen as a philosophy that is accessible to all veterinarians so they can better serve their patients. And it doesn't require that pet owners give up hope, she adds. Pet hospice care can be incorporated with measures taken to attempt to save the pet's life. It means simply that the animal's needs are taken care of with pain control and other efforts to reduce suffering.

Villalobos says that one of the biggest hurdles in veterinary hospice care is dealing with the shock that owners feel when discovering that their pet has a condition that may precipitate end-of-life care.

"A decade goes by and it is quick for us, but it is the lifespan of a pet. It' takes a lot of compassion to help people to understand it. It sneaks up on them. We have people who are in shock that their four-footed, beloved companion is now geriatric," Villalobos says. "The philosophy of hospice is letting the pet owner know the pet is dying."

The second international symposium on pet hospice will be held over Labor Day weekend on the campus of University of California-Davis. This new group, which recognizes veterinarians, veterinary technicians, social workers, psychologists, ethicists and clergy, has a great deal of work to do setting standards for this new field. For example, members will begin establishing protocols and guidelines for pain control, the place of euthanasia, and quality of life. The field is so new that attendees will even be charged with the task of defining pet hospice care. Visit www.avma.org for more information.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Pet Trusts Offer Animal Lovers Peach of Mind

Published: Wednesday, August 5, 2009 1:00 AM EDT

(ARA) - Jerry and Judi Wilkerson love their bulldog, Lulu bell - so much so that they decided to set up a pet trust.

"My parents have passed away, and I don't have a lot of family, so we wanted to make sure Lulu Bell was taken care of no matter what happened," explained Jerry. "It actually relieved a lot of stress. At least we know we have set aside a little bit of money, some instructions and there is a person willing to take care of her."

Many pet owners assume that they will outlive their beloved pets, but that isn't always the case. Unfortunately, when animals get left behind, they sometimes wind up in a local humane society where they could be euthanized. A pet trust ensures the animal will continue to receive care and housing even after the death of the pet's human companion.

The Wilkerson's pet trust includes about $2,000, simple instructions for care, and entrusts the animal to a cousin who already loves Lulu. The money is primarily to help cover any large expenses that Lulu might incur, like veterinary bills, after the Wilkerson's deaths.

"It's interesting to note that very few states allowed pet trusts until 1990. Since then the concept has really taken off, and now more than 42 states allow pet trusts, including three states that passed legislation in 2009. I wouldn't be surprised if they were allowed in all 50 states ultimately," says Adrian Hochstadt, assistant director of State Legislative and Regulatory Affairs at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

"Today, pet trusts are still relatively unusual in practice - most people choose to will a pet to a trusted family member," he says. "Pet trusts are one of the fastest growing segments of animal law today."

Pet trusts can vary according to a person's needs, and most pet trust laws allow people to will a certain amount of money toward the care of their pet after they are gone.

Missouri was one of the first states to have pet trusts. Gregory Dennis, an attorney in Missouri, says that the state has allowed pet trusts in some form since 1973.

Dennis advises that veterinarians should be made aware of trusts when they treat an animal. If a pet is covered by a trust, it's the trust that will likely be paying the bill and the trust also may stipulate what kind of veterinary care the animal should receive.

Dennis also notes that bequests that haven't been carefully drafted and, for example, leave exorbitant sums of money to a dog or cat, could be subject to legal challenges. People may argue that excessively large trusts are a sign a person was not mentally competent at the time the trust was drafted.

"Many state's pet trust laws include provisions that allows the courts to reduce a pet trust to a reasonable amount if it's excessive," says Linscott R. Hansen, an Illinois attorney who helped draft the Illinois pet trust law, which passed in 2004. "I advise people interested in setting up a pet trust to put into a trust just what the pet needs, and that's enough."

Hanson explains that pet trust acts allow people to create a trustee to oversee funds and another to care for the animal, which is a good way to help ensure the proper care of the animal. Dennis adds it may be a good idea to include a clause requiring two veterinarians to separately determine when a pet covered by a trust should be euthanized, and perhaps leave any remaining funds in a trust to a charity after the pet's death.

Michael Cathey, head of the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), said that his charitable organization does receive bequests from animal lovers who want a part of their estate to go toward protecting and treating pets. The AVMF funds disaster response efforts for pets, veterinary scholarships and animal health studies, and donors can and do bequest their donations to specific programs. For example, if a dog owner lost a dog to cancer, they may elect to bequest some money to the AVMF to go toward animal health studies, Cathey explains.

"A donor's wishes are always honored as long as those wishes fit in well with one of our programs," Cathey says. "If we accept a gift, we will put that money toward whatever program the donor has requested. We're really trying to help people understand that this option is available to them."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Eclampsia in Dogs

Eclampsia in Dogs
By: Brenda Alexander
August 7, 2009

Please pass this information along to anyone with an unspayed female dog. I fancy myself very knowledgeable about dogs but I had never heard of this before and it almost cost my beautiful, sweet Dakotah her life. Do NOT let this happen to you and your beloved friend.

Miracle Number 1:

I woke up at approximately 3:15 a.m. on Tuesday morning very thirsty. I was tired and didn't feel like going downstairs for a drink. I sat there for a minute or two trying to make up my mind. By then I was already awake and figured why not.

Miracle Number 2:

My sweet Kota was lying in the hall where she could NOT be missed. Her legs were stretched out in front, muscles rigid and she was hyperventilating. She was panting extremely hard and was moving her mouth funny. I had fed her some turkey earlier that night and because of how she was working her mouth, I thought she might have accidentally ingested a bone and it was obstructing her breathing. So stupid me (or not so stupid, I don't know which) repeatedly put my fingers down her throat searching for an obstruction. I had never heard of eclampsia in dogs and she was fine an hour before that so I just assumed.

My husband works 3rd shift and we only have the one car. He was at work. I called him asking him to come home but he could not leave. I was frantic because is one minute's time (and that is NOT an exaggeration) she went into grand mal seizures. Naturally, I got bit pretty severely and I imagine that she thought her mommy was trying to kill her. She's being a little standoffish to me too but she's alive and that's all I care about.

Miracle Number 3

Normally, because my brother-in-law has severe sleep disorders, she unplugs her phone at night because they go to bed around 8:00 at night because they have to get up at 5:00 (or earlier). In desperation, I called her and like I said, miracle number 3, not only was the phone ON the hook but they were awake. Pam and Jim (my sister and brother-in-law) live about 20 minutes away on a good traffic day but Jim made it to my house in less than 10. We jumped in the car and headed to the emergency vet clinic and I told them she was choking. They said, "no, she has hypocalcemia." I had no idea what that was and still thought she was choking and that she'd die from their misdiagnosis.

About 45 minutes later, the vet comes out and says that Kota's calcium level was so low that it was incompatible with life. Her fever was 107, having grand mal seizures and would most likely die from DIC (deciminated intravascular coagulation) which means her blood was clotting and sending those to her major organs. They fully expected this to happen and asked if we wanted it done. She went on to say that if this happened, the chances of any kind of meaningful recovery was low and it might not be in our financial best interest to pursue it, especially even with treatment, the chances of recovery were small.

Miracle Number 4

Jim whipped out his credit card and said Kota dying was not an option...period. Do whatever it takes so that we pick up a living, breathing, healthy dog. Some people might say, it's just a dog. Why go to that expense. No one reading this will say that. Love is love. No matter what form it takes, when you love something or someone and you lose that, it's heartbreaking. I have never had "just a dog." I never will either. My dogs are a huge part of my family and both Pam and Jim feel the same way. Their generosity still blows me away. How can I thank them for saving my baby? It's not possible. I'm baking them muffins today! Or tomorrow but they're getting them.

I came home and if you think it's bad and hard to sit by the phone waiting for a call, try sitting by the phone praying that it doesn't ring. That's worse! I kept thinking it would ring and I couldn't sleep because for some stupid reason I thought as long as I stayed awake, willing her to live, that she wouldn't die. That somehow my love for her would transcend space and time and give her the courage and strength to fight back. Who am I to say this is not so? My beautiful baby is running around downstairs with her boyfriend (my husband, lol) and love can do miraculous things. So can prayer. God had His hand in this. Of that I have no doubts whatsoever.

Miracle Number 5

I have a beautiful, loving (albeit a little mad at me right now) min pin that I get to enjoy for a long, long time thanks to God, Pam and Jim and to the power of love! I am having her spayed as I will never put her through this again. Also, for the record, she never looked pregnant. We did not even suspect she was going to have babies until the week before she had them. She carried them well. I won't ever make that mistake again.

For more information on this condition and how to hopefully prevent it, please google eclampsia in dogs. Become aware of it so that this does not happen to you and your beloved.

Choosing a Veterinary Herbalist

The study of herbs can take a lifetime. A veterinarian who dispenses herbs should be able to provide some evidence of background and continuing education in the field. The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society offers a continuing education course for traditional Chinese veterinary herbal therapy. There are some courses in Western herbal medicine and veterinarians can also take a human herbal course and then adapt the information to the veterinary field.

Look for a veterinarian who has been using herbs for a while and has learned the little tricks of how to administer them as well as what to use to treat particular conditions. An herbal practitioner also should know herbs well enough to explain their uses and benefits at length. Ask whether the veterinarian always treats a certain disease the same way. Good herbal practitioners adapt their treatments to each individual animal.

Common Natural Remedies Used by Veterinarians

The following supplements and their natural effects can help cure your dog of certain commonplace ailments:

Aloe - relieves itching and assists healing

Echinacea - strengthens immune system

Ginger - relieves stomach problems

Ginkgo biloba - helps with cognitive dysfunction

Glucosamine and chondroitin - relieves arthritis and join pain

Milk thistle - relieves liver problems

St. John's wort - fights viral infections and neural disorders

Slippery elm - relieves digestive problems and cough and is used as a poultice for skin irritation and inflammation

Vitamin C - antioxidant

Critter Sitter's "Dog of the Day" - Rat Terriers

Rat Terrier

Country of Origin: United States

History: The rat terrier was descended from terriers brought over by working class English immigrants, including the smooth fox terrier, Manchester terrier, and now-extinct English white terrier. The rat terrier was bred to control rats, as well as to provide entertainment in the blood sport of ratting. It was later crossed with whippets, Italian greyhounds, and beagles. The breed was popularized by Teddy Roosevelt, who often hunted with rat terriers.

Physical Description: The rat terrier is a small to medium-size, muscular dog that is slightly longer than it is tall. It has a wedge-shaped head and the skull and muzzle are of equal length. The nose is black or self-colored and the eyes are prominent. The ears are button, tipped, or erect and V-shaped. The tail may be docked, naturally long and curved upward, or a natural bob. Coat colors range from solid white to bicolor or tricolor, with white and black, tan, chocolate, blue, blue fawn, apricot, or lemon.

Height (Miniature): under 13 inches

Height (Standard): 13 to 18 inches

Weight (Standard): 10 to 25 pounds, both

Note: The rat terrier description is somewhat convoluted, as different registries have different standards: The UKC recognizes miniatures and standards, as well as hairless rat terriers. The Rat Terrier Club of America recognizes miniatures and standards but not hairless, which they included under another breed, the American hairless terrier. The National Rat Terrier Association recognizes toy, miniature and standards, as well as two body types: Type A - square dog; Type B - longer than it is tall, as well as a larger variety called Decker giants. Also see the Teddy Roosevelt terrier.

Temperament: The rat terrier is an energetic, curious, and intelligent dog. It is game and tenacious when hunting but affable and affectionate at home. It gets along with children, other dogs, and cats.

Activity Level: Moderate

Best Owner: It adapts to most living situations: city or rural, active or sedentary.

Special Needs: Exercise, human companionship, socialization, sun protection, training

Possible Health Concerns: Allergies, bite problems, hip and elbow dysplasia, lusxating patellas, mange

Critter Sitter's "Dog of the Day" - Pekingese

Pekingese

Alternative Names: Lion dog, sun dog, sleeve dog

Country of Origin: China

History: Pekingese-type dogs have been known in China since the TangDynasty in the eighth century. Its ownership was limited to nobility; the theft of a Pekingese was punishable by death. It was known by three names: lion dog (for its heavy mane), sun dog (for its golden red color), and sleeve dog (for its tiny size, allowing it to be carried inside an owner's sleeve). It was first introduced to the Western world in 1860, when the Imperial Palace was looted by the British and five of the dogs were stolen and taken to England, where one was given to Queen Victoria. The breed first came to the U.S. in the early twentieth century.

Physical Description: The Pekingese is a small, stocky dog with a heavy front and light rear, giving it a lionlike appearance. Its head is broad and the wrinkled muzzle is very short and broad, with a strong jaw. The nose is short, flat, and black. The round eyes are large, prominent, and dark. The drop ears are heart-shaped. It has a very short neck; flat feet that are often turned outward; and short, bowed legs. The tail is set high and curled over the back. It is double coated with a thick undercoat and a long, flat, soft outer coat. It has long feathers on its thighs, legs, tail, toes, and ears and a profuse mane. It can be any color, including red, fawn, black, black and tan, or white. It often has a spectaclelike mask on its face.

Height: 8 to 9 inches

Weight: 8 to 14 pounds

Temperament: The Pekingese is an independent and regal dog that is dignified and stubborn. It is not always friendly with children or with other dogs but is good-tempered and playful with those it's familiar with. Its stubbornness makes it somewhat difficult to train.

Activity Level: Low

Best Owner: This breed does well in an apartment with adults and older children

Special Needs: Grooming, protection from heat, socialization, supervision with small children, training

Possible Health Concerns: Anesthesia and heat sensitivity, brachycephalic syndrome, corneal ulceration, intervertebral disk disease, stenotic nares, umbilical hernia

Grieving Dogs

Dogs form deep attachments and may experience sadness and even depression when a human or canine companion dies. A dog may search the house looking for his friend, be disinterested in food, become lethargic, or display other unusual behaviors.

To help your dog get through his grief, keep things, including bedding, toys, and blankets, familiar, and don't change your dog's routine at this time. Provide a lot of affection and physical and mental stimulation. Walks, runs, and other outdoor exercise can help combat lethargy and depression. If your dog isn't eating, try tempting him with some tasty treats. If he does not eat for several days, see your veterinarian.

If you're experiencing the loss of a dog, introducing a new dog into the household at this time may or may not make the situation better. It all depends on your dog's personality. Take the time to make a good decision. An older dog might be a better choice than a rambunctious puppy. Be realistic. If you do get another dog, be sure to give your current dog a lot of extra attention during the introduction period.

Games for Dogs and Kids

Both kids and dogs love to play. And it is double the fun when they play together. Here are some simple games that children and dogs can enjoy together while also reinforcing appropriate behavior for both of them.

Hide and Seek: This classic game becomes extra special when played with a dog. Your child holds the dog's favorite treat and hides in another room or somewhere outside in a fenced yard. You may have to hold onto the dog as your child is hiding so he doesn't automatically follow her. As soon as your child is hidden away, let the dog go, telling him to find your child. At first, encourage your child to help the dog find her by calling him. When the dog finds the child, she should make a big deal over him, offering lots of pats, hugs, and praise, as well as his treat. Eventually, your dog will be able to play the game without having his name called.

Find It: In this game, the dog finds an object such as a treat, toy, or ball. To teach this game to your dog, put him in a sit and stay position, or hold him if he doesn't know these commands. Have your child hide the treat, letting the dog see where it is placed, and then tell him to find it. A lot of praise should be lavished on the dog when he is successful. Allow him to eat the treat or play with the ball or toy when he finds it. After doing this several times, your child can hide the object in a less visible location.

Fetch: Dogs love to chase and fetch all sorts of different items, including balls, toys, and Frisbees. If playing with a ball, be sure that it is small enough to fit comfortably in the dog's mouth but not so small that he could choke or swallow it. Have your child throw the item while telling the dog to fetch. When the dog returns with the item, tell your child to give him the drop it command. She should give him a lot of praise when he drops the item. Make sure your child knows never to try to take the toy out of the dog's mouth because she could be bitten. If the dog won't drop the item, have your child throw something else for him to chase, which will probably cause him to drop what he has in his mouth.

Soccer: To start, get a soccer ball or any other sort of soft ball, making sure it is too large for the dog to pick up in his mouth. Have your child gently kick the ball so it rolls on the ground toward the dog. If necessary, have your child encourage the dog to get the ball. At first, the dog may try to pick up the ball but will quickly realize that he must push it with his nose for it to move. When he does this, the child should give him a lot of praise. Once the dog grasps the game, he and your child can kick and push the ball between them.

Critter Sitter's "Dog of the Day" - Dachshund

Dachshund

Alternative Names: teckel

Country of Origin: Germany

History: It is believed that the dachshund is a cousin of the basset hound and may go as far back as the sixteenth century. It is probably crossed with terriers. The breed was developed to hunt badgers and is still used as a hunting dog, as well as a companion. It became popular in the U.S. during the 1930s and 1940s.

Physical Description: The dachshund is a compact, muscular dog with a long body and short legs. It has a wedge-shaped head, long drop ears, a deep chest, and a long tail. There are two sizes, miniature and standard, and three coat varieties, smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired. The coat is short and smooth, long and silky with feathers, or long and wiry with bristly facial hair. It may be red or cream, or black, chocolate, blue, or fawn, with tan points. There is also a salt and pepper coloring called wild boar and a number of patterns, including dapple, brindle, and piebald.

Height (Standard): No standard available

Weight (Standard): 16 to 32 pounds

Height (Miniature): No standard available

Weight (Miniature): Under 11 pounds

Temperament: This is a friendly, good-natured, and fun-loving dog. It is intelligent, playful, and affectionate.

Activity Level: Moderate to high

Best Owner: The dachshund is adaptable to many living situations, including city or rural life. The miniature is an ideal apartment dog.

Special Needs: Grooming

Possible Health Concerns: Bloat, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, intervertebral disc disease

Insurance Resources

Some insurance companies will not provide homeowner's coverage to people with certain dog breeds or breed mixes they deem dangerous. Bull terriers, American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, presas canarios, rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, Akitas, and chow chows are a few of the breeds commonly discriminated against by insurance companies. Finding coverage for owners of these dogs can be a challenge. Here are a few resources for finding dog-friendly coverage:

~ Contact the insurance commissioner in your state for a list of all insurance companies doing business in the state and for any other information that may be helpful to dog owners looking for insurance. Let the insurance commissioner know if you have been discriminated against by an insurance company because of your dog and ask what can be done about this practice.

~ The Insurance Information Institute has information on homeowner's insurance and dogs. Go to www.ii.org.

~ The Humane Society of the United States (www.hsus.org) and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.aspca.org) can provide information about insurance discrimination practices.

~ The American Dog Owner's Association, Inc., provides information on pending dog legislation throughout the country, including insurance legislation. Go to www.adoa.org.

~ Contact the American Kennel Club for information on insurers and their policies regarding dog breeds.

~ Contact breed clubs and breed rescue groups that work with your breed of dog. Ask them to suggest ways to find breed-friendly insurance coverage.

~ Investigate company policies, as well as general industry information, on insurance comparison. Web sites such as www.insurance.com, www.insure.com, or www.insweb.com.

~ Talk to friends, neighbors, and others with dogs, especially with your breed of dog, abou the type of insurance they have and ask if they had any difficulties obtaining it.

Critter Sitter's "Dog of the Day" - Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Pinscher

Alternative Names: Min Pin

Country of Origin: Germany

History: The miniature pinscher is hundreds of years old, older than the Doberman (to which it is not related). It is believed to be developed as a small ratter by breeding German pinschers to dachshunds or greyhounds. The breed was developed to its current form around 1895. Although WWI halted its development, fanciers outside of Germany took up its cause after the war. It was first seen in the U.S. in the 1920s.

Physical Description: The min pin is a small, sturdy, compact dog. Its muscular body is wedge shaped. It has a narrow, tapering head with a flat skull, which is parallel to the strong muzzle. The eyes are oval, almost black, and bright. The ears may be cropped or natural. The tail is docked and held erect. The coat is short, smooth and straight; it comes in red, stag red (red with an intermingling of black hairs), black with rust markings, or chocolate with rust markings.

Height: 10 to 12 inches

Weight: 8 to 10 pounds

Temperament: The miniature pinscher is an alert dog with vigor and spirit. It is fearless and self-confident. It is wary with strangers and sometimes aggressive with other dogs. It will react to provocation.

Activity Level: Moderate to high

Best Owner: It does well with an active, patient owner in a city or suburban home

Special Needs: Exercise, socialization, supervision with children, training

Possible Health Concerns: Cardiac problems, cervical (dry) disc, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, Legg-Perthes disease, luxating patellas, thyroid problems